Peasreads: The Scarlet Ball by Nghi Vo

This is a fantasy, gothic book set in New York during the Gilded Age. There is magic, witches, and other beings. There is body horror. Violence. This is not a romance; this is a book of survival and how far the main character will go not only to survive but to get what she wants. It is a good story; pacing is good with some slower areas, but those are moved through quickly. The description of the world, setting, and magic is really done well and vivid. I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't as good as The Brides of High Hill. Neither is a genre I usually choose. I am glad I read it and would still recommend it to others who like Gothic fantasy and fiction. 

Description:

From USA Today bestselling author Nghi Vo, this all-consuming tale of ballrooms and bloodshed weds The Gilded Age with the Gothic vision of Guillermo del Toro.

Pick a face, pick a fate.

Judith Ban, former convent girl, courtesan, and failed thief, is on the lookout for her next identity. The daughter of a Vietnamese adventuress and a French naval officer, she’s no stranger to risk, but she’s unprepared for the secrets of New York’s legendary Four Hundred, or for the women who build their power at the city’s heart through blood-soaked, gold-etched rituals of demonic marriage.

Peasreads: Strong as a Lion by Karla Sy with Felishia Henditirto (Illustrator)

Strong as a Lion

by Karla Sy
with Felishia Henditirto (Illustrator)

Heartwarming book about a little girl who is determined to help her Yeye (grandfather) by bringing him luck. She shows compassion for her grandfather. She demonstrates determination, resourcefulness, creativity, and a sweet spirit by including her younger brother.

The illustrations are beautiful. The story was engaging and fun. Fun to read out loud or for kids to read on their own. 

There is a craft and explanation of Lion Dance symbolism in the back which is really neat.

Description

Mia's mission to bring good luck to her Yeye's store makes a great read-aloud for Lunar New Year.

"Good luck is coming Yeye's way!"

Mia loves spending time at her grandfather's store. When she finds out that the store is on the brink of closure, she embarks on a mission to bring Yeye as much luck as she can. With Lunar New Year approaching, Mia knows that lion dancing brings good luck, and the one who wears the head gets to control the luck. But when the lion head is too heavy for Mia to carry, how will she turn her family's luck around?

Imaginative and detailed, Strong as a Lion immerses readers into Mia's story, reminding them that although they may not feel strong enough, they possess the strength to impact their communities. Backmatter includes an author's note about lion dancing, as well as instructions on how to create your very own lion head.

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Thank you NetGalley and Beaming Books for the egalley I was under no investigation to leave a review

Peasreads: Ithaca (Songs of Penelope #1)

 

Ithaca is the first in this trilogy by Claire North. This is one of the books that got me into Greek mythology reimaginings. Claire North has a gift for writting. Her world is descriptive. Her characters are multi-faceted. The descriptions of the unique personalities, their life choices, and how those choices affected them makes the reader connect with each of them easily. The author has a great grasp of how to convey the background and personality of each character. North has done her research, and it shines in her storytelling.

This book is a must-read with strong female characters.

Peasreads: The Twelve Loves of Christmas An Advent Romance Collection

 The Twelve Loves of Christmas

An Advent Romance Collection

by Alexandria Bellefleur; Elise Bryant; Olivia Dade; Alexis Daria; Sarah Hogle; Zakiya N. Jamal; Rebecca Jenshak; Jessica Joyce; Susan Lee; Joss Richard; M. A. Wardell; Rebekah Weatherspoon

What a fun countdown of short stories. Some made me tear up. Heartwarming, funny, romantic, with a diverse cast of characters.  It was a fun sampling of authors I've never read before. Definitely gives me a new list of authors to follow. Perfect for the holiday season for a quick read in-between all the holiday hustle and bustle.

Peasreads: Break Wide The Sea by Sara Holland

WOW. Just wow. I thought I'd just like this book;  in the end. I loved it. Annie is an orphaned heiress to a whaling company. She is not only young but a woman, so it is hard for her to be seen and heard as the head of the company. She has a fiancé who loves her for who she is and knows everything about her, including the fact that she has a curse that has plagued her family for generations. She sets out to find a cure. Out on the open seas she learns more about herself and the people around her. She is faced with the decision to stop whaling altogether or to continue and face the consequences from the sea people.

All around, a great book. The pacing was good, the world was interesting. The conflict and how it was described was a hard one for the MC. There is a love triangle; Annie, being 18 struggled with this triangle as that's what one does. 

Description

Peasreads: The Brides of High Hill by Nghi Vo

The Brides of High Hill

by Nghi Vo

I went into this book with no real clue what genre it was. The Brides of High Hill is a standalone gothic mystery, which I so rarely choose to read in this genre. I picked it up because I saw the cover, saw foxes and something about brides. I happen to like Gumiho, nine-tailed foxes, so why not. I even read the description when I requested the book but must have forgotten. I thought I was going to be reading some kind of folktale, romantasy. Jokes on me, but it doesn't matter. I couldn't put this down once I got started. It was such an interesting story. I was surprised in the end. The story reminded me of Lao and other SE Asian ghost stories we used to tell each other, and they were so scary as kids. This, of course, isn't a kids' story, but the scary Asian ghost story vibe is there. Because this is a short story, it was a quick read, but the pacing did not feel rushed. What an excellent story it is, too. 

I want to read the rest of he books in this series. I also requested a novel from this author I liked this story so much.

Peasreads: Tideborn by Eliza Chan

Even better than the first. Oh, I missed Kai and wasn't sure how this book would be without him. I still missed him. Turns out Nami and Mira grew, and their characters gained more depth. After Kai's sacrifice, the city is torn. Between those born with gills and those who had gills bestowed on them, whether they liked it or not. With fanatics on both sides tearing the city apart, to the Titan Sea god on his way to avenge his beloved, Tiankawi might not survive. Nami and Mira split up, working towards the same goal. Unity and safety. What a great adventure.

Peasreads: Whale Fall by Elysia Rourke

I couldn't put this book down once I started it. It is a middle grade book, but like Black Beauty not just for middle grade. I often thought "What age is this? How is this a children's book?" It is heartbreaking. It is real. It is raw. There is hope, heartbreak, heartache, longing. It is so well written. The pacing was really good. The story telling just drew me in. Are some parts predictable? Yes. Of course Whale gets captured, but her story is captivating, her journey is one that grips you. There is strength in how she loves and lives. 

I refuse to go to shows with animals like this anymore and have for years. This gut wrenching story will help readers of all ages see through a lens of empathy and compassion. Especially with World Animal Day on October 4th.

Grab some tissues.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:

 A debut novel in the tradition of Black Beauty and The One and Only Ivan, in which a young orca who dreams of becoming the matriarch of her pod instead finds herself living a life in captivity.

“Heartbreaking, but unputdownable. Read with a box of tissues. Whale’s story doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of animals in captivity, but it is a testament to the power of faith, storytelling, and hope.”—Shakirah Bourne, author of Josephine Against the Sea and Here Lies A Ghost“

Whale, a young orca, dreams of becoming the matriarch and storyteller of her own pod one day, just like her grandmother. But her dream becomes a nightmare when she is captured by the Two-Legs and taken to a sea pen far from her ocean home. At first, angry and scared, Whale can only think of escape and finding her way back to her family. But as the months wear on, and Whale becomes restless and lonely, she finds herself befriending her keeper, Red, named for his bright red fur. Whale starts to look forward to their daily feeding rituals and playtime as they learn to communicate. As time goes on, she even counts on Red’s singsong laughter to fill her day.

But just as Whale gets used to life with Red, she is ripped away from the sea pen she’s lived in for more than a year. She’s taken on a long, painful journey in a container to somewhere new—the suffocating waters of an aquarium. Whale is given a name—Ingrid—and along with whales who don’t speak her language, she is made to perform. The grueling work is hard on Whale’s body, but if she doesn’t perform, she doesn’t eat.

Whale’s only solace is the memories of her pod and her grandmother’s stories of Great Mother and how whales came to be. Whale longs for the promise of Whale Fall, where the Great Mother will at last reunite her with her family—her body becoming one with the ocean. But also she tries to find joy in the here and now and in the comfort of her adopted pod. And, before rest, there is still one unexpected dream that will come true for Whale.

A deeply moving story of family, determination, and hope as a majestic creature weathers the storms of a life in captivity.

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I received this egalley from Penguin Young Readers was under no obligation to give a review. All opinions are  my own. 

Peasreads: Birth of the Witch A Coven of Three Trilogy Book 1 by Nora Roberts

 

Birth of the Witch

A Coven of Three Trilogy Book 1 by Nora Roberts

If you've read Nora Roberts and you enjoy her writing style. Especially for her Magical Reaslim trilogies, you'll enjoy this one.  I loved it. The characters have depth and history. They grow throughout the story. It's age-appropriate as we start off with a thirteen-year-old. Each setting that they travel to or live in is described so well. The scenery and the locals. It brings a great picture to the mind's eye. I always want to visit Ireland after reading her books. The story itself and how things unfold are done well; I kept thinking, NOW the two main characters are finally going to meet up or find the items they were tasked with collecting. Each chapter built up well, with all the characters still living their lives. 
At 432 pages, this took me one day to read. I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait for the rest of the trilogy because what a cliffhanger. 

Description

The first novel in the enchanting new epic by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Bride Trilogy, Nora Roberts

Niamh McShane was born a witch and died a witch in the same moment, at the tender age of thirteen. A victim of the madness that spread from Salem Town to her home on Piety Island, in her last hours she found comfort from the weavers imprisoned alongside her, who saw within her light and power and gave her some of their own.

More than three hundred years later, on the same island, Neve McShane wakes with excitement on her thirteenth birthday and unwraps gifts from her aunts: sneakers, an iPhone, and a stunning antique pendant. Then she receives something else: a revelation that will change her life.

Astonished, Neve learns that her aunts’ abilities go beyond simple kitchen magic and the potions they sell in their shop. Their tales of past lives aren’t just whimsical fantasies. They are witches, and so is she. Their lives–past and present–are bound together by that pivotal day centuries ago. Now Neve has been tasked with stopping a growing darkness. To prepare for the dangerous enemy that awaits, Neve hones her skills and searches for clues to aid her in her quest. And at night, she dreams of a young man from Ireland whose eyes met with hers for a fateful moment, centuries ago.

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I received this egalley from NetGalley and Penguin Random House I was under no obligation to give a review. All opinions are my own.

Peasreads: The Irish Secret by the Shore by Clodagh Murphy

 

Classic friends-to-lovers, closed-door romance. Set in Ireland in a small town where everybody knows everyone and their business. Abbie knows what she wants in life, and she has built that life. She is surrounded by the people she loves. Her childhood sweetheart wants a different life and has left to pursue it. This is a story of learning to let go and allowing life to happen, letting go of the familiar and comfortable when it isn't healthy. It flowed well and was interesting. Some of the things that happened at the end had me questioning the characters (side characters), but it was part of the story and their characteristics. This was entertaining. Low-spoon reading. What does that mean? It means that it wasn't stressful and heart-heavy, and sometimes I really need reads like this.  There was conflict, and it was painful for the characters, of course, but it was almost cozy.  Side note, I loved reading about the Irish coast. 

Peasreads: Song of the Selkie by Claire R. McDougall

Song of the Selkie

A Novel

by Claire R. McDougall

 This isn't really about Selkies, though the story of a Selkie is told within. This is about three sisters. Eddie, Lailas, and Frances. The story is told through Frances's point of view. 

It had a good start and lagged only a bit. The story was interesting. Frances is quite the snob. That was her character, though, and the author wrote that well. 

The author writing about the nieces body was really not okay. Frances really pointed out too many times that this kid had a developing body. Frances is also racist. Once the Chapter in Cabo came about it was uncomfortable. I get that she's an academic; she set herself apart through academics. That's fine. But some of the things written about the gardener living in a hut(what an assumption), "brown-skinned Mexicans", and more, there was no indication that she was racist before. It was just odd to throw that in, when it wasn't a theme or previously established character trait. There should be a content warning.

I finished the book because I can't leave a review unless I do. The book wrapped up nicely. The road to the end had pretty good pacing. It just wasn't as interesting as the first third of the book promised it would be. It was just predictable. 

Peasreads- For Ever More Sue Lynn Tan

 

What a great conclusion to Never Ever After. Yining is back home. She is settling in with her family and her people. She is learning the customs and traditions of her people. It is a world that is so unlike the Iron Mountains that she grew up in. While she is settling in, she juggles her feelings and her vow to Jin to help him save his people and his land. And then there's Prince Zixin. Both these male characters are complex. Jin is noble in his quest to save his land; no one can fault him for that. Yining still struggles with trusting him after he made her make the vow to help him. The Prince is ready to fight his sister back for the Kingdom that is rightfully his. Could his story be a redemption arc? After all he did?  Has he learned from the past? Can a person really change? 

Is this a fantasy with romance? Or a romantasy? I can't really say. I do know that I loved the story. I  loved the setting. I loved this conclusion. 

 In For Ever After, this epic fantasy finds Yining on the run and fighting to save her family and her kingdom. 

Order now and receive the SPECIAL FIRST EDITION while supplies last—featuring a designed case cover under the jacket and illustrated endpapers, in addition to shiny foil and embossing. This must-have special edition is only available in the limited first printing.

After the explosive events of Never Ever After, Yining flees the Iron Mountains with her unlikely allies, seeking the truth about her newfound powers amid the secrets surrounding her ancestral home. But with a traitorous queen ruling the Three Kingdoms from a stolen throne, nowhere is truly safe, and Yining must decide whom to trust to keep her family—and her heart—from harm.

Praise for Never Ever After:

“Rich and layered and deliciously transportive.” —Renée Ahdieh, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Wrath & the Dawn

“Tan has crafted a jewel of a fairy-tale retelling and each prism is lustrous with sinister wonder.” —Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of the Gilded Wolves Trilogy

“A lush and effervescent, masterfully crafted fantasy.” —Elizabeth Lim, New York Times bestselling author of Six Crimson Cranes

“I absolutely adored it and cannot wait for the sequel!” —Allison Saft, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wings of Starlight

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I received this egalley from NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers., and Hatchette book group. I was under no obligation to give a review. All opinions are my own. 

Peasreads: Tales of Green Tea Notes from a Centuries-Old Kyoto Teahouse by Miyako Watanabe with Cathy Hirano (Translator)

A slice of life book about a 300-year-old tea shop that is just delightful. Some basic recipes that seem simple but are so informative as far as time and temperature for brewing different teas. The author tells us how each tea is grown and when it is harvested. There is history woven in with how tea and the tearoom have progressed with the times. I wish I could visit during all the seasons to see their different decor and taste their seasonal offerings. Lovely storytelling that makes you want to explore the region. There are some fun doodles in the book, but it is not really a book to flip through for art. Just scattered throughout, and cute. Ippodo has a website and ships their tea all over the world. I can't wait to try the Hōjicha.

 Description

A charming, lightly illustrated exploration of the history of green tea and matcha, Japanese tea culture, and daily life in Kyoto by the owner of the 300-year-old Ippodo Tea shop.

At the family-owned Ippodo tea store in Kyoto, time passes at the gentle pace of green tea leaves brewing in a kyusu teapot. Written by the store’s current owner, Miyako Watanabe, Tales of Green Tea offers an account of everyday life at this beloved spot, but also of the knowledge, encounters, and discoveries that come with a life steeped in tea.

Composed of short, evocative sections that move through the seasons and engage the senses, along with charming tea-themed illustrations, Tales of Green Tea is at all times moving, nostalgic, funny, and informative. From the historical origins of tea, right up to modern day tea commerce and culture, and many reminiscences in between, we explore the endless flow of tales to be found in a simple cup of tea, alongside best practices for home brewing and recipes for tea snacks.

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Peasreads: The Whole30 Fast & Easy Cookbook Revised Edition by Melissa Urban

 

Great recipes, just nothing really new. Some information on whole 3o is revised. The photos are gorgeous. The recipes are Whole30 compliant with some fun new ideas. 

Helpful for beginners. Great for reference.

You can find more Whole 30 content HERE. 

Description

A must-have updated edition of the New York Times bestseller—featuring 35 new quick and easy recipes and updated program guidelines.

This revised edition of the bestselling Whole30 Fast & Easy is updated with 35 brand-new recipes and photos, perfect for weeknight cooking, lunches in a hurry, and hearty breakfasts that still get you out the door on time.

The groundbreaking Whole30 program has helped millions of people transform their lives, bringing about better sleep, more energy, less bloating, and fewer cravings. In this cookbook, bestselling author and Whole30 co-creator Melissa Urban wants to make it even easier to achieve Whole30 success—with over 150 easy-to-make recipes that you can put together in 30 minutes or less. Think dishes like:

Green Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado Tahini Dressing

Vietnamese-Inspired Pork Tacos

Charred Veggie and Chicken Fajita Wrap

Shrimp and Green Bean Stir Fry with Quick Chili Crisp

Roasted Garlic-Potato Soup with Sausage and Kale

Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken, Broccoli and Baby Yukons

Featuring hearty and delicious skillet meals, sheet-pan suppers, slow-cook dinners, and cozy noodle bowls, these are dishes anyone can make for a weeknight dinner, quick lunch, or easy breakfast.

This updated edition also includes the new Whole30 guidelines, drawing on the latest research and behavior change science. Whether you’re doing your first Whole30 or your fourth, or looking for some gluten-free, dairy-free, fast and easy recipes, this collection is a must-have for any kitchen.

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Thank you NetGalley and for William Marrow for this egalley. All opinions are my own. I was not obligated to leave a review

Peasreads:Fishbone Cinderella by Elizabeth Lim

Publication date July 28, 2026.

Fishbone Cinderella follows a family for multiple generations. It weaves in the story of fishbone Cinderella, Ye Xian (Yeh-hsien), a 9th-century Chinese folktale regarded as one of the oldest Cinderella variants. This is a poignant story about love, belonging, mistakes made, finding yourself, and letting others see who you truly are.

Elizabeth Lim's storytelling is descriptive, and her characters are flawed yet real. Throughout the story you can see how our history and experiences can shape us. Lim addresses generational trauma and curses and weaves them into the fabric of each character with care.

There are different settings in the story, from wartorn villages in China and Hong Kong, to city life in those places, to life in America. Lim's portrayal of immigrants settling into life in America tugged on my heartstrings. It reminded me of stories my parents and family have shared about their experiences fleeing from their homes due to war and coming to America. With nothing but the clothing on their backs and the language of their country on their tongues. It was difficult. Heartbreaking at times, but survivors survive. 

This is a beautiful story. 

Description

A mother and daughter must break their family’s curse through trials of war and immigration, love, loss, and redemption in this riveting multi-generational saga with a shimmer of magic, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Forgery of Fate.

1940s Hong Kong

When Japanese soldiers invade her hometown, Ha Yut Ying makes an unlikely escape—by turning invisible. But her miraculous survival is only the beginning. After the war is over, she’s sent to Hong Kong to live with her distant father and glamorous stepmother, who end her dreams of becoming a singer and turn her into the family’s servant. As the years pass, Yut Ying learns the hard truths of betrayal and ambition, of forbidden love and devastating loss, and discovers that sometimes the only way to endure is to disappear.

1960s San Francisco

Marigold has always had a knack for uncovering secrets, but nothing prepares her for the day she accidentally witnesses her mother vanish before her eyes. The moment fractures their bond, leaving questions that shadow her entire childhood. But when her mother’s condition suddenly deteriorates, Marigold is convinced she’s the only person who can save her. To do so, she must journey into the secrets her mother never shared and uncover the tragic, fairytale-tinged history their family has fought to forget.

A story of mother and daughters, the scars they inherit and the magic that binds them, Fishbone Cinderella is a tender and enchanting exploration of what it means, at last, to be seen.

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Thank you, NetGalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey, for this galley. I was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own. 

Peasreads: Isis of Egypt: Goddess of Thrones by Malayna Evans

Four stars for this reimagining of the story of Isis. Malayna Evans has a PhD in Egyption history so her knowledge played a huge part in why I loved this book so much. Her story telling is engaging and interesting. I loved learning the tidbits about so many major and minor Gods. Reading how Isis learned at differnt stages of life to grow, rule, let go, survive, serve, restore, forgive, and to rebuild. 

Description

One determined goddess. Two beloved gods. Three coveted thrones.

Ancient Egypt’s most formidable goddess will stop at nothing to save her true love from the wrath of a vengeful god in this romantic retelling by the author of Neferura, perfect for readers who loved Lilith.

Isis, goddess of thrones and magic, steals the crown of Egypt and hands the power to her husband, Osiris. Together, Isis and Osiris live an idyllic life, ruling justly until the god of chaos, set on revenge for a crime Isis knows nothing about, traps Osiris in a box—a box that quickly vanishes.

Driven by rage and desperation, Isis spends decades disguised as a human woman, isolated from home and family as she searches for her lost love. When she finally uncovers the box, what she finds will change her life—and the fate of gods and mortals—forever. Unless Isis can right the wrongs of a betrayal she didn’t commit and deliver Egypt into the hands of a worthy leader, Egypt will fall into chaos. 

Isis of Egypt: Goddess of Thrones is a feminist retelling about the woman behind one of the ancient world’s most widespread and enduring cults, a goddess whose message of empathy and resilience resonates still today.

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Thank you, NetGalley and Alcove Press, for this galley. I was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own.  

Peasreads: The Condiment Book by Claire Dinhut

This is a fun book that has so many great recipes that are easy and the ingredients are accessible. Clearly written and easy to follow.  I made a tofu marinade from the book and it was excellent.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • From TikTok sensation Condiment Claire, a quirky and informative guide to the flavor enhancers we can’t get enough of, with dozens of recipes for making and using condiments of all descriptions

Claire Dinhut soared to internet fame tasting and rating hundreds of jams, mustards, and butters, showing how she incorporates condiments into virtually every bite she takes. Often posting from the remote French village where her father maintains a fourteenth-century mill, she delighted followers with her charmingly casual approach to preserving and pickling, showing how easy it is to transform seasonal produce and kitchen odds and ends into homemade condiments that will enhance any meal and create unique gifts.

The Condiment Book captures the role condiments play in defining food cultures around the world, pairing brief histories of flavoring agents from ketchup to kimchi with tutorials on creating unique flavor combos to suit your own palate. In chapters devoted to Butters and Salts, Fruit in Jars, Hot Sauces, Pickles and Ferments, Dips, and of course Mustards and Mayo, Claire guides readers through the making of condiments to give or keep, and offers a handful of “condiment companions” ideal for serving alongside the cook’s handiwork. Helpful charts and graphics give abundant ideas for pairing condiments and flavors, extending the use of these versatile products far beyond the expected.

Packed with lush photos, cheerful “doodles” and the whipsmart observations of a Harvard-educated, bilingual gourmand obsessed with everything salty, spicy, bitter, and sweet, The Condiment Book is the ideal gift for any cook eager to dip a toe into the world of preserving, or any food lover looking for new and exciting ways to use those bottles and jars knocking around their pantry.

Thank you for being here. Have a blessed day.

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Peasreads- This Immortal Heart A Novel of Aphrodite by Jennifer Saint

This Immortal Heart
A Novel of Aphrodite by Jennifer Saint
Pub Date Jun 09 2026 

This Immortal Heart is a book about Aphrodite and Ares. Told through Aphrodite's POV. I like Jennifer Saint's writing and have enjoyed a few of her books. I've never been academic about how I write reviews. If I enjoyed the book, it was entertaining, it flowed well, the characters weren't annoying, and I finished it without wanting to put it down; that's a win for me. This book is a 4-5 star read. I love mythology and retellings. Did I LOVE Aphrodite? Not really. She was her, and her nature made her behave and think in certain ways. I liked that her character made sense. She's the goddess of love. She's strong and loves her followers. This is a story about her, Ares, her followers, Hephestus, and the politics of the Olympian Gods. Zeus is, of course, the universal A-hole.  There really is no way to spin that one to make him any different. Ares and Hephestus, I really liked. They were true to their nature. They both had a past that shaped them and put them on different paths. Which I suspect is all of us. 
Reading as Aphrodite weaved through life and the politics of Olympian court life while staying true to her core was interesting. The story flowed well. It is not a long read. Well paced. 

Description

The epic, captivating tale of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who must reconcile her mind and heart when she is drawn against all odds to Ares, the god of war, from the internationally bestselling author of Ariadne and Hera.

The stunning first edition hardcover of This Immortal Heart features gorgeous endpapers and a stamped case!

From the moment Aphrodite emerges fully formed from the sea, she is devastatingly beautiful and imbued with ancient power. Driven by passion yet strategic in how she moves through the halls of Olympus and the earthly realm alike, the free-willed goddess wields unparalleled influence over every living being.

When fate brings her face-to-face with Ares, she bristles at this surly, hot-tempered warrior who’s seemingly her opposite: disliked by everyone and devoted to stirring up conflict. Yet these gods are no more immune to the dizzying highs and lows of love and loss than anyone else, and soon, they are irresistibly drawn to one another.

As their love affair spans mortal lifetimes, Aphrodite begins to question the gods’ games and her role in them. But there’s only so much room for fire and passion in Zeus’s kingdom. Before long, she must test her devotion to her own divine purpose—and to a love that can only lead to ruin.

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Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine | Ballantine Books, for this galley. I was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own. 

Peasreads: The Rainshadow Orphans by Naomi Ishiguro

 

The Rainshadow Orphans
The Rainshadow Series, Book One
by Naomi Ishiguro

This book is everything the description below promises. From dragons to bubble tea. The world Naomi Ishiguro has created is indeed magical and Studio Ghibli like. The characters are well written. The story is good. It flows well. For all of those elements, I would give this book a solid 5 stars. The thing is, it took me a long time to read this book because it was almost too wordy. The book could have been shorter and still a wonderful read. I don't know how to explain it. All in all I enjoyed the book. I want to know what happens next. I just hope it isn't a trilogy that could have been a duology. 

Description

Featuring stenciled edges and original art for the front and back endpapers.

The first novel in a dazzling fantasy trilogy inspired by Japanese folklore and Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away, set within a mythical archipelago brimming with dragons and Sun Spirits, high-tech hackers and bubble tea.

Life is hard for the inhabitants of Rainshadow City, a place where poverty and corruption are rife and where they are terrorized by an underground criminal organization known as the Lucky Crows.

Toshiko, Jun and Mei Kawakami are a family, bonded through loyalty if not blood, who live outside the increasingly corrupt law and who are seeking revenge for the murder of their beloved “aunt” Reiko by the Lucky Crows. Haru is the son of the Emperor, destined to one day rule over the Archipelago and uphold his mother’s ignoble legacy, but he is more interested in making friends with the magical Sun Spirits it seems only he can see. Theo, forced to leave his homeland, is a reluctant foot-soldier for the Lucky Crows. He doesn’t want to be a gangster, but as an illegal immigrant to the city, his choices are severely limited.

When Toshiko steals a dragon pearl from the leader of the Crows, it sets them all on a thrilling path which will determine the future of Rainshadow City. Tightly set across two days and peopled with unforgettable characters, The Rainshadow Orphans blends the anime fantasy of works like Pokémon and Studio Ghibli and the anime science fiction of revolutionary cyberpunk like Akira to explore what it means to stand up to corruption and take charge of destiny.

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Thank you, NetGalley and Saga Press | S&S/Saga Press, for this galley. I was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own. 

Peasreads: Deathly Fates by Tesia Tsai

 

Tesia Tsai has woven a story so beautifully that I read it in two days. A story about duty, honor, love, letting go, and holding on. Fighting for what you love and knowing when to let go is best. Siying is a priestess who is tasked with guiding the deceased to their resting places. She lives in a kingdom that is in the midst of war. She takes on a job to bring a soldier to his home across the border. The soldier turns out to be the missing crown prince. When she reanimates him, he comes to life. Though not completely, she soon finds out that he needs qi to actually stay alive. They set off on a journey to bring him home, gathering purified qi along the way.

I do hope @illumicrate it @fairyloot will do a special edition of this one I can't wait to have a copy on my bookshelves.

Description

A sweeping debut inspired by the Chinese folk practice of necromancy, Deathly Fates is perfect for fans of Descendant of the Crane, The Bone Shard Daughter, and A Magic Steeped in Poison.

As a priestess paid to guide the deceased home, Kang Siying has never feared death. But when her beloved father collapses, Siying realizes that even she is not free from the cruel grasp of mortality. Desperate to provide her father with the medical aid he needs, Siying accepts a dangerous job that promises a generous commission, and travels to a hostile state to retrieve the corpse of a missing prince.

But the moment Siying places her reanimation talisman on the dead prince's head, rather than make the corpse obedient to Siying's commands, the talisman brings the prince back to life. Worse, he won't stay alive for long—not unless he absorbs enough qi, or life force, to keep his soul anchored to his body.

In return for a reward worth twice her original commission, Siying agrees to aid the frustratingly handsome prince in finding and purifying evil spirits for their qi. But as they journey across the countryside, encountering vengeful ghosts and enemy spies alike, they gradually uncover dark secrets about the prince's death—secrets that could endanger both Siying's father and their entire kingdom.

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I received this egalley from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books I was under no obligation to give a review. All opinions are my own.